Carol McLellan
Exploring Healing Possibilities
Learn More About My Approaches to Healing and Education
Explore gentle, evidence-informed approaches that honor the body’s innate wisdom and the profound journey of conception, pregnancy, birth, and beyond. From CranioSacral Therapy (CST) to the pioneering work of APPPAH, these modalities offer insight, support, and healing for parents, babies, and practitioners alike. Here you’ll find resources to learn more about how these practices can nurture lifelong health and connection.
What is CranioSacral Therapy?
CranioSacral Therapy (CST) was pioneered and developed by osteopathic physician John E. Upledger following extensive scientific studies from 1975 to 1983 at Michigan State University, where he served as a clinical researcher and Professor of Biomechanics.
CranioSacral Therapy (CST) is a gentle, hands-on method of evaluating and enhancing the functioning of a physiological body system called the craniosacral system - comprised of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. Using a soft touch generally no greater than 5 grams, or about the weight of a nickel, practitioners release restrictions in the craniosacral system, which has been shown to improve the functioning of the central nervous system, as well as many other systems of the body, such as digestive, musculoskeletal, respiratory, circulatory, and more.
CST has also been shown to help with the physical components related to such somatic conditions as Post Traumatic Stress, depression and anxiety.
For more information, visit www.upledger.com
CranioSacral Therapy for Conscious Conception, Pregnancy, and Birth
CranioSacral Therapy (CST) as developed by Dr. John E. Upledger is a gently hands-on approach that works through the craniosacral system to alleviate a range of disorders and to improve health.
Because of the non-invasive nature of the modality, it has virtually no negative side effects. Under that premise that the human body wants to correct (heal) itself, and that both mother and baby (fetus) know what needs to be undertaken to affect a successful delivery, we have applied CST to the process of pregnancy, labor and delivery.
As the pregnancy progresses, CranioSacral techniques are employed which focus on the mother and baby as individuals concurrently while functioning as one. The results have significantly demonstrated that the process is facilitated and the outcomes are improved.
Complementing traditional methods of prenatal care with appropriate use of CST may preclude the need for other more invasive technique.
CST may also ease the recovery from necessary invasive procedures.
Discover APPPAH
(The Association for Prenatal & Perinatal Psychology & Health)
For more than 40 years, the Association for Prenatal and Perinatal Psychology and Health (APPPAH) has illuminated the life-long impact of conception, pregnancy, and birth on babies, families, and society.The term prenatal refers to the period of conception through the entire pregnancy, while perinatal refers to the crucial hours of labor, birth, and the early establishment of breastfeeding.
Research shows that these formative experiences shape patterns of intimacy, health, and social connection that last a lifetime. APPPAH emphasizes that “womb ecology becomes world ecology.”Since its founding in 1983, APPPAH has generated groundbreaking research, publications, and educational resources, while also hosting conferences and fostering a worldwide community of professionals and parents.
Its initiatives include the Journal of Prenatal and Perinatal Psychology and Health, the APPPAH Newsletter, international conferences, and task forces dedicated to advancing research, education, and prevention of birth trauma.
To learn more or join the APPPAH community, visit www.birthpsychology.com.